Himachal mishap rescue efforts going slow

National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Marri Shashidhar Reddy has explained the rescue efforts going on in the Mandi dam, Himachal Pradesh mishap of yesterday that has resulted in the death of 5 students and 19 more missing.

“Two teams are working on the rescue efforts, teams include deep water divers. So far five bodies have been recovered. The bodies are washed as far as twenty kilometers. Divers are working at the spot and along the route and near the dam sight. The bodies recovered will be sent to Hyderabad as soon as possible in a special plane. Another special plane to carry the parents of the students is being sent to HP in the next few hours. Telangana Home Minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy has already reached HP to coordinate with the search and rescue efforts.”

Union HRD minister Smriti Irani has also said that all measures to retrieve the bodies are going on. Special helicopters are working in the efforts. The HP CM Virbhadra Singh meanwhile has said that the accident is due to the irresponsibility of the teachers accompanying the team.

The Dam authority has been suspended for negligence in following safety procedures in releasing the water. All the students belonged to VNR Engineering College at Bachupalli, Hyderabad.